Car drivers using the Dartford Crossing who have signed up to the Dart Charge pre-pay account are to face a 20% increase in their fares.

The increase – up from £1.67 to £2 – will take effect on October 1 and follows a review by Highways England into how fairly the benefits to account holders are spread across different vehicle types. The changes have aligned the rate for Class B – which includes cars, motorhomes and any minibuses that have nine or less seats (including the driver’s seat) – more closely to Classes C and D.

All other vehicle classes are unaffected by the change, and all standard rate charges are unaffected.

A Highways England spokesman said: “More than a million people are eligible to save money on every crossing at Dartford after having signed up to the Dart Charge pre-pay account.

“With more than 55 million vehicles travelling over Dartford Crossing every year, there is an ongoing need to manage increasing demand at the crossing.

“After nine years of operating a 33% discount for cars, the Department for Transport has reviewed how fairly the benefits to account holders are spread across different vehicle types and have aligned the Class B rate more closely to Classes C and D.

“From October 1, 2018, the new discounted rate for Class B vehicles at the Dartford Crossing will be £2.”